The global demand for gas may increase to 5.5 trillion cubic meters per year by 2050, and the international supply to 1.7 trillion cubic meters, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum. According to Rossiyskaya Gazeta, last year global consumption increased by 1.2% and reached 4.2 trillion cubic meters. The head of state also said that Russia is promoting the creation of a new investment platform within BRICS for fast-growing markets, among which Africa should have priority.